opportunities
Creating 2019’s annual report of
West Yorkshire
County Commissioner’s Reflections MARK STAGEMAN Scouting is a special place to be friendship, fun, sense of achievement, opportunities to make a real difference to the lives of young people and sharing in the success of others are just a handful of the “special things” we experience as we travel along our Scouting journey.
Over the past twelve months, this has never been more true. It will come as no surprise to you when I say that Scouting continues to thrive in communities here in our County. Our much valued volunteers continue to give an enormous amount of
commitment, talent and energy to create a diverse range of opportunities to enhance the lives of our young people. You only have to visit the social media pages of “groups” across our County and see the smiles on the faces of our young people (and adult volunteers too, of course) to see the true story of our year together. Most importantly, this year as a Scouting family, we’ve created a number of new initiatives to bring Scouting to some of our most disadvantaged communities here in West Yorkshire. To meet our aspiration to “do more”, I am delighted to say we have grown our relationship with the Jo Cox Foundation,
the Muslim Scout Fellowship (MSF), MIND and built on our existing collaboration with West Yorkshire Police and local crime prevention initiatives being championed by Huddersfield University. Just a few of the many avenues; as a County, we are now championing to meet the needs of our local communities. I’ve no doubt, collaboration such as this, will continue to deliver a handsome return on our much valued investment. In the words of Jesse Jackson - “Inclusion is not a matter of political correctness, it is the key to growth”. Most importantly, “growth” in all its forms. Collectively, I think we can be very proud of what we have achieved on our journey so far - opening new
doors for others to join in the Scouting adventure here in West Yorkshire. Without doubt, there is still much to do but we are “getting there” - the growing number of opportunities (both at home and internationally) for our young people and adult volunteers to come together, make new friends, learn from each other, experience new challenges, recognise and develop talent and most importantly, have fun as a Scouting family are testimony to our efforts. As a County, we continue to make good progress in achieving Scouting’s vision for 2023 “Skills for Life”. In particular, we’re delighted to welcome Toby, Emily, Beth & Megan; our County Youth Commissioner and Deputy Youth Commissioners respectively, as our new ambassadors for Youth Shaped Scouting here in our County. I, like many others, look forward to working with Toby, Emily, Beth & Megan as they move forward with their own ideas to put young people at the heart of our decision making here in our
County. With such talent to the fore, we can be assured of a bright future for our Scouting family for many years to come. However, it took talent and commitment to get us here, and on that note, I’d like to say a big “thank you” to Katherine Dodds and Sam Wakefield (who has moved onto ACC (Youth Engagement) for all they have done; and continue to do, to inspire and lead us in this key aspect of Scouting’s Vision for the future. It is their legacy; and formerly that of Vicky Caine, Fi Taylor and
Katie Travas, that has taken us to the strong position we find ourselves in today. In terms of developing our facilities, Bradley Wood and Green Withens continue to extend the diversity of opportunities we offer to our young people. This year we saw the completion of our new high ropes course, zip line and playground activities at the “Wood” not forgetting, our inspiring picnic area where our young people can have fun, explore and learn more about the environment in which
they live. At Green Withens, we saw the introduction of a new management structure, new activities and further investment in new equipment to maintain this much valued asset here in our County. However, as we all know, this does not just happen perchance - it takes a huge amount of talent and commitment to make those achievements. With that in mind, our thanks go to the respective teams for all they do to ensure we continue to offer safe and well
Unit to be reminded of the difference Scouting can make to our young people and the communities in which they live.
managed centres for Scouting to flourish. There is still more to do (isn’t there always) but with growing momentum, I think we can be truly proud of what we have achieved thus far. Our focus in 2019/20 - well, with our County Gang Show and Big Camp 2020 (once again at the Yorkshire Events Centre in Harrogate) in March and May respectively, not withstanding the range of new initiatives “on the go”, it’s going to be busy year that’s for sure ! However, as a Scouting family,
The forthcoming year will also be one of transition as the search for our new County Commissioner gets underway. It has been an enormous privilege to serve as your County Commissioner over the past 10 years magical memories and much valued friendships to cherish for a lifetime. It has been a real pleasure to be welcomed, inspired, educated, guided and supported through the actions our focus always of others during this remains the same - to period of stewardship. develop opportunities Some years ago at for our young people our AGM, I remarked to flourish in a about the “nudgers challenging yet safe and winkers” in our environment. Not County - those who forgetting to have gently support and fun along the way guide us in our own as we go! In terms Scouting journey. of emphasis, we Without those good continue to do all intentions and, of we can to support course, good friends and promote strong too, my own personal “Group Scouting” in Scouting journey our local communities. would not have As we all know, Scout been made possible. Groups are very Friendships and much the heartbeat kindnesses, such as of Scouting here in these, are of course our County. You only at the very heart of have to visit a local the Scouting ethos. Beaver Colony or drop After all, in the words in at an activity night of Shakespeare (who at the local Explorer knew a thing or
two) - “a friend is one who knows you as you are, understands where you have been, accepts what you have become, and still, gently allows you to grow”. Simply put “thank you”. In equal weight, I also extend my own personal thanks once again to all the members of our Scouting family; Commissioners, Executive Members, Section Leaders and Supporters for all you do to support and develop Scouting here in our County. Without your collective talent, commitment and energy, Scouting here in West Yorkshire could not be what it is today - proud of its achievements, respectful of its heritage and enthusiastic about its future. I think we can all be rightly proud of what we have done in the name of Scouting in 2018/19. Together, in so many ways, we have shared our Scouting adventure and made a difference to the lives of others. Whatever the next twelve months (and beyond) may bring, I wish you all the very best and every success in your own Scouting journey.
The Purpose of Scouting.
The Scout Method.
The Scout Method provides an enjoyable The purpose of Scouting is and attractive scheme of progressive training, to promote the development of young based on the Scout Promise and Law, people in achieving which is guided by their full physical, intellectual, social and adult leadership. In practice the method is spiritual potentials, best seen when young as individuals, as people, in partnership responsible citizens with adults are: and as members of enjoying what they their local, national are doing; learning by and international doing; participating communities.
HOW WE OPERATE
Royal Charter... The Scout Association exists by authority of a Royal Charter granted by King George V in 1912 and supplemented by further charters granted by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II. These charters give authority to
in varied and progressive activities; making choices for themselves; taking responsibilities for their own actions; working in groups; taking increasing responsibility for others; taking part in activities outdoors; sharing in prayer and worship; making and living out their promise. West Yorkshire Scouts Trustees have a
the bye-laws of the Association, which are approved by Her Majesty’s Privy Council. The bye-laws, in turn, authorise the making of rules for the regulation of the Association’s affairs. The rules are laid out in the Policy, Organisation and Rules (POR) of The Scout Association.
duty to report on the charity’s public benefit in the annual report. We have assessed our aims, objectives and activities and believe we have met the Charity Commission’s public benefit criteria for both the advancement of education and the advancement of citizenship or community development.
West Yorkshire Scouts is an autonomous charity affiliated to The Scout Association, which together with other County, District and Group Charities form the Scout Movement in the United Kingdom.
Executive Committee… The County is managed by the County Executive Committee, the members of which are the Charity Trustees of the County Scout Council which is an educational charity. As charity trustees they are responsible for complying with legislation applicable to charities. This includes the registration, keeping proper accounts and making returns to the Charity Commission as appropriate. The County Executive exists to support the County Commissioner in meeting the responsibilities of the appointment and is responsible for: • Promoting the development of Scouting in the County; • Ensuring cooperation between Districts, Groups and other organisations; • Raising of funds and administration of the County’s finance and property; • The appointments process within the County; • Appointing any subcommittee that may be required; • Ensuring sound administration within the County.
The Executive Committee comprises up to 18 members: • 6 Ex-officio Members (including the officers); • 4 elected members (including 1 elected youth member) elected annually by the County Scout Council at its AGM;
in a way that is safe, accessible and free from discrimination. Our key policies include: • Anti-bullying policy. • Child protection policy. • Development policy. • Equal opportunities policy. • Religious policy.
• 4 appointed members • Safety policy. (annually appointed Risk and Internal at the AGM); Control… • up to 4 Co-opted The County has in members (annually place systems of appointed by the internal control that are Executive). designed to provide reasonable insurance The committee meets at least four times each against material mismanagement or year. An induction loss. These include process is provided 2 signatures for for all new Trustees. all payments and Further learning comprehensive and development insurance policies to opportunities are ensure that insurable available. risks are covered. POR... Volunteers... The Association has During the year a comprehensive set over 3000 adults of policies and rules volunteered their applicable to the time, energy, skills Movement, which are and commitment to routinely monitored Scouting at Group, and reviewed by the District, or County level. Association. We are committed to providing Their roles ranged from regularly leading the best possible experience for everyone section meetings and organising camps, in Scouting, whether to helping with they are young people administration, training or adult volunteers. To future leaders and help us achieve this, attending meetings at we work to a number of key policies, through every level. Without this contribution of our which we can make volunteers, Scouting sure that Scouting in West Yorkshire continues to develop
would be unable to offer a wide range of challenging and inspiring activities that help make Scouting the largest co-educational youth movement in the UK today. Our vision for 2023 By 2023 we will have prepared more young people with skills for life, supported by amazing leaders delivering an inspiring programme. We will be growing more inclusive, shaped by young people and making a bigger impact in our communities. Our goals Our plan is to build on the success of the previous plan: to continue to grow, become more inclusive, to be shaped by young people and to make a bigger impact in our communities. Our progress in 2018/2019 is detailed in the forthcoming pages along with our future plans for the strategy.
Our Governance Actions LINDA MALLOY COUNTY CHAIR The Trustees of the County have yet again supported the West Yorkshire County Scouts in a variety of projects and activities. Their biggest support was, unanimous voted, to underwrite Big Camp 2020 and support the County Commissioner in delivering this popular event for the County.
people wanting the best for our site is resulting in the site looking fantastic. Please walk around the site to see how good it looks with all these new facilities. Funding and grants have been researched Many thanks to all who have given time and applied for resulting in the superb to help with these addition of a Zip Line, projects and the many hours of work Picnic Area, Play Ground and Standing under the guidance Camp. A huge amount of Gareth Pierce ACC Bradley Woods and of unseen work by the Directors. The Directors of WYS Trading have worked hard this year, in their first year, to achieve the direction set out by the Trustees for the business.
Green Withens Water Sports Centre has this year gone through a restructure as a result of Peter’s wish to take on a less demanding role. This has been successfully achieved by members coming forward and volunteering to take on roles. The addition of two new Bell Boats this year will hopefully help towards the variety of activities and events held at Green Withens increasing. Many thanks to Peter and all the team, for all their time and energy, enabling many young people to ‘get on the water’. The Trustees have also been active in the following sub committees: finance, appointments and risk. Thanks to all the trustees and nontrustees that sit on these committees to represent the membership of the County.
Inclusivity, reflecting our communities Scouting offers fun and adventure to people of all faiths and from all kinds of communities. This year we have delivered more projects and activities than ever before to support all our volunteers and ensure it suits their individual needs, including opening new sections in ethnic minorities
and the most socially deprived areas of our County. We promote Scouting to diverse and varied communities and run activities regardless of ability.
Faith based groups to ensure access to Scouting for all. We have Muslim groups in many parts of the County including; New Horizons (Huddersfield North), Feversham, Huddersfield Bees and Ansaar in Heavy Woollen District.
34th Bradford South have supported the Libyan community in Great Horton and invited young people to take part in various activities including: backwoods cooking, caving, axe throwing and crafts. Delivering Scouting for all. Keighley Special Needs Group (7th Phoenix), running a Cub programme which adapts and caters to the needs and achievement potential of it’s members.
The area of Chickenley in Heavy Woollen District was identified by the Scout Association as one of the countries most deprived communities. As a result Heavy Woollen District worked with the local School and community centre to build a Scouting base in Chickenley an area where Scouting had never existed before. A number of volunteers from across the District came forward to help run taster sessions for both young people and adults over a six week period. Over those first 6 weeks we enlisted 5 new adult
volunteers and over 30 young people at Cub age. The Cub section was set up as a satellite of an existing Scout Group and started to blossom: Some of the young people left the Chickenley area for the first time visiting Bradley Wood and other campsites. They always arrived
with a smile on their faces although not quite in full uniform or with the full amount of subs. The Scouts have managed to attract some good grants to help fund events, uniform and kit.
original Cubs are now young leaders. As important the Chickenley Scout Group is now a key part of community life.
Fast time forward 5 years and Chickenley now has Beavers, Cubs and Scouts and two of the
4th Keighley Madina Scout Group Having run successfully for nearly 5 year up to Summer 2018, 4th Keighley Madina were unable to continuing providing Scouting for the local young people due to lack of leaders. However with hard work and determination we managed to get new leaders and restarted in March 2019, with a successful camp at Low Wood in April we also attended the Keighley Beaver and Cub Moot as day visitors. We can also offer mosque visits as part of the faith badge, we have had 2 groups previously visit us for their faith badge.
Making a positive impact in our communities We believe in making a difference both to individuals and to wider society. In Scouting we already take action in the service of others, but we want to do more. During 2018/2019 a number of Groups have undertaken community projects.
Various foodbanks supported with donations and supermarket campaigns- both at District and Group level (Beaver Christingle /36th Wibsey /68th Wyke /Low Moor Explorers)
Heckmondwike Ansaar Scout sections have raised £3000 for Yorkshire Air Ambulance through a variety of fundraising events. Heavy Woollen District have continued to work with Kim Leadbeater, who’s sister Jo Cox MP was murdered in 2016. Particularly supporting the Great Get Together (2019 - June 21-23). Every year thousands of communities come together in what is called The Great Get Together. At many events Scouting has worked with community groups to make it a fantastic and fun occasion.
As Bear Grylls said: “People of all ages and backgrounds will be doing exactly what the name Common Badge suggests – getting togetherMore to enjoyIn each other’s company and focusMP onJo what weScout allPresident have for inHeavy common. Cox was the Woollen District Scouts, West York It’s an idea that describes whathas the Scouts are to make the great Sco Since Jo’s exactly death local Scouting continued her passion adventure available to more communities, so giving more young people and adult vo all about.” important skills for life.
Have you been part One of ofa her GGT if not why not join one many ambitions was to be a national ambassador for both Scouting a next year or set one up yourselves, it could begreat a BBQ Guiding, shouting about all the work at every opportunity. or cooking pancakes www.greatgettogether.org
Jo supported and encouraged all the work Scouting and Guiding was doing to b communities together and reach out to all communities.
Brighouse District continue to help at Cromwell bottom nature reserve. Keighley – now at 900 dementia friends from 6 years to adults
War grave maintenance, 68th Scouts undertake an annual grave yard clean up laid white gravel isaround One of the and key aims of the Scout Association to reach out to all communities, w complements the Jo graves. Cox foundation ethos of bringing communities togethe the war
Scouting has already opened up many scout sections on a weekend to attract mi community groups and opened scout groups in some of our most deprived commu Jo was keen to drive this work forward.
Cubs made crosses and poppies to lay on the graves.
West Yorkshire Scouts have committed to support and promote the Great Get Toge the Jo Cox foundation.
A ‘More In Common’ Badge has been created for Scouts and adult volunteers to ear
34th Great Horton visited a residential home beforewithin Scouting. help in achieving Jo’s ambitions Xmas and made presents and cards for all the residents and sang carols. The Young People chose to do this instead of having their own Christmas party. 20th Low Moor Cubs- visited a residential home and played games with the residents 70th Woodside played Bingo and Beetle drive and sang carols at their local residential home just before Xmas
MIND / Mental Health Bradford South have raised over £5000 for MIND Bradley Wood has undertaken a number of events for the local community including an open day, a Great Get together (Jo Cox event) and bluebell walk. 68th Wyke and 70th Woodside sold badges on behalf of the Fife Scout Group following a fire.
Money raised through various events- sponsored walks, cake stands, tombola’s, parent bucket donations at District events. District Cubs and Beavers had a lengthy age appropriate discussion about Mental Health problems whilst sat in front of the abbey ruins at Bolton Abbey We also invited the local MIND charity shop to our District meeting and allowed them to sell Xmas cards etc. Money raised was in addition to above.
68th Cubs made bird boxes for the church graveyard. 64th Horton Bank Scouts- litter pick at a local beauty spot. 70th Woodside support Friends of Judy Woods and have built bird boxes and helped clear invasive Himalayan Balsam.
Poppy Appeal / Royal British Legion Guide Dogs for the Blind visited various groups (18th Queensbury, 68th Wyke, 64th Horton Bank) Together raised £320. Bradford South District Scouts have supported the Peak District National Park with moorland data collection as part of their “Moors to the Future” project. Measured peat depth and PH at various sites, water PH, invertebrate collections, identified vegetation at various sites.
65th Shelf (alongside the Shelf Gala Committee) helped raise £2200 for the British Legion by placing homemade poppies on lamp posts throughout Shelf. Explorers helped as marshals at the Bradford City Annual Remembrance day service. Golcar Garden of remembrance - Golcar found out so much information about all those from Golcar who were killed in action in the Great War and developed a garden of remembrance, not only the men, but also their families who they left behind. This was on display, along with information on the suffragette movement and what it was like in the war in the run up to remembrance Sunday. All proceeds went to the British Legion Poppy Appeal. So we’re making good progress in achieving our #amillionhands vision. Homelessness 36th Wibsey raised money for NightStop.
Will be shaped by young people in partnership with adults SAM WAKEFIELD ACC YOUTH ENGAGEMENT
“To each there comes in their lifetime a special moment when they are figuratively tapped on the shoulder and offered the chance to do a very special thing, unique to them and fitted to their talents. What a tragedy if that moment finds them unprepared or unqualified for that which could have been their finest hour� Sir Winston Churchill
Youth Shaped Scouting in West Yorkshire is ever growing and 2019 is a very exciting time for youth engagement in the county as we are currently preparing to welcome a brand new Youth Commissioner! We are very sorry to see Katherine Dodds step down (who we were all proud to call our Commissioner for the young people) however as we move forward this brings us an opportunity to introduce a fresh face to the team. In fact, as you read this we will have hopefully already appointed!
On behalf of West Yorkshire I would like to wish Katherine all the best in her future Scouting career. Onto the year we have just had, and what a year! October 2018 saw the introduction to West Yorkshire Scouts, information and support in cyber-crime and insight into how are young people are behaving online and the world they potentially live in. We are very grateful to West Yorkshire Police, Dr Leanne Monchuk and the team over at Bricks 4 Kids for supporting the delivery of the
programme. We were very pleased to celebrate the achievements and successes of our young people at the County Awards Ceremony. I always find this event to be one of the best as we can clearly see what our young people have done and who the next group of inspirational role models for our young people are. We have all been waiting for it and we are very excited to announce the return of BIG CAMP! The youth engagement team have been
working hard to build a team of people who will act as the approachable and energetic staff members of Big Camp, to act as the Games Makers of the event. This year we will be having a special guest at camp, He’s a big character with big feet! Our team (STOMP) have been working hard to get the site ready for him. Make sure you come along and see if you can join in some of the amazing activities with him!
I would also like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to all the leaders and helpers that have made this year the best it can be for our young people. They have laughed, cried, jumped, climbed, paddled, walked, swung, rode and many more activities that all go towards their development and integrity. For this I personally would like to thank you: Youth shaped Scouting allows our young people to
make decisions to form and develop their own adventure, integrity, care and cooperation. Luckily we have so far done just that and we will continue to do the same. After all, don’t you think it would be a tragedy if we didn’t provide the opportunity for them to do what could have been their finest hour?
A growing movement Scouting in West Yorkshire continues to grow‌
Holme Valley Beavers grown by 15% Huddersfield North Beavers grown by 6.3% Bradford South Beavers grown by 4.5% Wharfedale Beavers grown by 3.5% Aire Valley Beavers grown by 2.9%
Aire Valley Scouts grown by 4.8% Bradford South Scouts grown by 2.3% With another 6 more Scout Troops across West Yorkshire.
Spen Valley Explorers grown by 103%, Huddersfield South East Explorers grown by 38.1% Holme Valley Explorers grown by 38.5% Huddersfield South West Explorers grown by 14.5%
Great news for the future with 4 more Young Leader units being established across West Yorkshire. Waiting lists have decreased in Cub and Scout sections across the County at a total level. More direct entrants of young people coming in at age 6 (Beaver age) and 14 (Explorer age) than last year. 3 more Active Support Units. Halifax Network grown by 233% Wharfedale Network grown by 62.5%
25th St Marks Halifax grown by 80% 7th Keighley grown by 75% 23rd Huddersfield Shepley grown by 76% 39th Parkwood grown by 50% 1st Bradford North grown by 45.5%
With another 4 more Explorer units across West Yorkshire.
Huddersfield North Cubs grown by 20%
Our growth champion groups‌
Female Youth Membership has gone up from 24% to 25% - with more female members in Beavers, Cubs and Scouts than last year. 7 Scout Groups now have filled Group Scout Leader vacancies.
26th Bradshaw Halifax grown by 39.6% 3rd Keighley grown by 32.8% 65th Shelf grown by 29.8% 7th Clayton West grown by 26% 37th Bradford North grown by 25% 19th Keighley grown by 25% 4th Spen Valley grown by 21.7% 7th Elland grown by 21.3% 9th Mirfield grown by 20% Grown in Muslim communities with four new Muslim groups.
Badge ge
y
With Thanks
With Thanks
With Thanks
The Chief Scout’s The Thanks The Thanks The ChiefThe Scout’s Chief Scout’s The Thanks Badge PersonalPersonal Award Award Badge Badge Personal Award
To promote the importance of the top Scouting awards, we continue to run the County Awards Ceremony at Bradford Cathedral in October, an event which also recognises Explorer Belt awards, Duke Of Edinburgh and Young Leader awards. Queen Scout Award holders enjoy a recognition dinner in March before going down to a presentation at Windsor in April.
2019
Awards for Good Service Awards Awards for Good for Good Service Service Role
of Honour
The Chief Scout’s The Award for Merit Bar to the Award The ChiefThe Scout’s Chief Scout’s The Award Thefor Award MeritThe for Merit The Bar to The the Bar Award to the Award Commendation for Commendation for Merit for Meritfor Merit Commendation for for Good ServiceGood Service Good Service
Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold, 21 recipients
Queen’s Scout Award, 11 recipients
The Bronze The Bronze Cross Cross
duct ous Conduct Conduct Silver Acorn Award, Bar to the Silver Acorn Award, Silver Wolf Award, 13 recipients 8 recipients 2The recipients The Silver Acorn The Bar to the Silver Acorn The Acorn Silver Wolf The Silver The Acorn Silver Acorn The Bar to The the Bar Silver to the Acorn Silver The Silver Wolf Silver Wolf
ChiefChief Scout’s Length ofLength Service Chief Scout’s Scout’s Length of Service ofAwards Service Awards Awards
Copyright © 2009 The Scout Association, Registered Numbers 306101 (England and Wales) and SC038437 Copyright © 2009 Copyright The Scout ©Charity Association, 2009 The Scout Registered Association, Charity Registered Numbers Charity 306101 Numbers (England 306101 and(Scotland). Wales) (England and SC038437 and Wales)(Scotland). and SC038437 (Scotland).
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#Skills4life
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01484 715858 www.wyscouts.org.uk Charity number : 524829 © West Yorkshire Scouts 2019.